“Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them, and broke them, and kept giving them to the disciples to set before the people. And they all ate and were satisfied; and the broken pieces which they had left over were picked up, twelve baskets full.” – Luke 9:16-17
They ate and were satisfied. Content. Plus there was food left over — 12 baskets full. What is it like to be satisfied; filled up to overflowing; content? Can you recall a time when you felt truly content; fully satisfied with life?
They were in a desolate place (9:12). The people needed food and lodging. The disciples were surrounded by overwhelming need. Only five loaves of bread and two fish to feed thousands (9:13). Have you been there? In that desolate place where it seems there isn’t enough to take care of your need. Five loaves and two fish to feed a seemingly endless appetite. To be satisfied, content, seems elusive.
“Have them sit down to eat in groups of about fifty each,” Jesus told his disciples (9:14). Just when it seemed there was no way to satisfy the need, Jesus instructed the people to prepare to eat. “Sit down to eat.” It’s a phrase of expectation like setting the table in anticipation of serving food; an act of preparing to meet the needs of your guests. I can see the people looking to Jesus to take care of their need at that moment.
“Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them, and broke them, and kept giving them to the disciples to set before the people (9:16).” He “kept giving them.” Jesus kept giving until everyone was satisfied. Jesus kept giving and the disciples kept setting the loaves and fish before the people. They brought the food to them until they were satisfied. The people did not have to ask; it was brought to them.
God knows our need. He can satisfy us with baskets full of leftovers. He keeps giving, sending people to meet needs. In the desolate places with impossible circumstances, he shows what is possible. Jesus kept giving all the way to the cross to fill our need for salvation. He satisfies our need for redemption; fills us to overflowing when we believe in Him and His ways.
© 2021, CGThelen
140 Character Christian 
Beautiful analogy. Another awesome layer of meaning.
Praise God for His provision. Blessings.
I’ve had this happen time and time again, CG. God has provided for a need at just the right time. However, each time I had to stop worrying and sit down—trusting that God would take care of me.
That’s the hard part for me — to stop worrying and wait on God. He is faithful to provide. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
“Have them sit down TO EAT in groups of about fifty each,” I hadn’t paid attention to that “TO EAT” before. What a statement of anticipation! What went through those disciples’ minds?? 😊
Indeed, what were the disciples thinking as they witnessed God’s provision for such a large crowd? Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
So true. God ALWAYS meets our needs – and often in unexpected and unpredictable ways. He never leaves us desolate.
So true. He gives us what we need. Thanks for the comment.
Thank you for this reminder to trust Him, even in the seemingly impossible. This reminded me of the story of that great saint George Muller when faced with no food for the orphans. He set them down to eat breakfast and prayed…Almighty God provided immediately from a local baker!
Thanks for sharing that story. A good reminder of God’s provision. Blessings.